Home Depot, Lowe's See Record-breaking App Downloads

Retail Dive | May 19, 2020

Home improvement retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's are deemed essential amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore have not had to temporarily shutter their stores. Prioritizing a safe shopping experience, retailers have adopted digital strategies such as partnering with delivery startups and implementing mobile checkout.

With much of the population working from home, Apptopia noted that many consumers are painfully aware of the improvements they need to make to their homes and, in turn, are directing their attention to home improvement, decor and furniture stores.

App downloads surged to record highs in April for home improvement retailers The Home Depot, Lowe's and Menards, according to a new report by Apptopia. Home Depot's app led the way with 706,000 downloads, Lowe's was second with 527,000 and Menards reached 116,000.

With concern for health and safety, consumers may be more inclined to buy online rather than make an in-store visit. Home Depot CEO Craig Menear said sales from its digital platforms increased approximately 80% in the quarter period ending May 3. Other executives also noted that its digital business had reached triple-digit growth by the end of April. Mobile commerce is not slowing down in growth over this pandemic, but rather leading the future to safer environments in our current climate.